Mental / Emotional Benefits of Corsets

Click here to purchase Solaced (the official Corset Benefits book)

Corsets can help the wearer boost their confidence, create a more “alpha” mentality through proper posture, soothe anxiety, provide deep pressure for those with autism, and help with grief or depression, or simply the stresses of daily life. Read more below to learn more about the mental and emotional benefits to corsets, or you can read about the physical benefits, or the social benefits on their own pages. Or you can go back to the main “How Corsets Heal” page.

Mental and Emotional Benefits of Corsets:

Many clinically underweight women have been able to overcome their eating disorders and learn to celebrate their bodies and embrace their curves (figuratively and literally) by wearing a corset. Many have gained and maintained a healthy weight, since their girth and eating habits are “controlled” by the corset.Refer to Chapter 12: Body Positivity*

Corsets can boost the self-image of those with low self esteem, and encourage a greater notion of self-worth by affecting the posture and not allowing the wearer to “apologize for their existence” (in the words of Sarah Chrisman) – this can apply to those with poor body image, those who have been emotionally abused and made to feel “less than”, or otherwise.Refer to Chapters 12 (Body Positivity) and 17 (Coping with Adversity)*

Corsets are worn by many to ward off depression, panic attacks or generalized anxiety – the corset provides Deep Pressure Therapy and feels like a secure, constant hug, which is naturally comforting to many people, the way that being swaddled is comforting to a child. Pressure on the abdomen can also somewhat negate the “butterfly in stomach” and nausea symptoms associated with anxiety.Refer to Chapter 15: Mental Health (Anxiety & Depression)*

Corsets act as a coat of armour and a mode of “physical” therapy for those who have PTSD from past abuse. People who have been physically or sexually abused and tend to eschew human contact may feel safer by wearing a corset, as it is a rigid garment with steel and often many layers of fabric, making it difficult to feel physical contact of anyone “outside” the corset yet still giving them the feeling of a hug until they are ready to accept touch from other people.Refer to Chapter 17: Coping with Adversity*

Corsets can help those with ADHD to feel more grounded, as the constant physical feeling of corset around them can help keep their mind in the present. The deep pressure can also soothe the agitation related to the feeling of being pulled in a million directions at once. This may help to improve concentration and productivity.Refer to the stories “The Stays that Soothe” and “Long-Term Relationship”*

The rigidity of a corset can help to make the wearer feel as though there is some structure in their lives. For those who feel lost or out of control of their lives, the corset’s stability has helped them to feel more in control and less vulnerable to the unpredictable stresses of daily life. In extreme situations, some individuals have noted that wearing corsets have helped them to stop self-harming.Refer to Chapters 15 (Mental Health) and 16 (Autism Spectrum)*

Corsets can also help one through transitional periods in their lives. Corsets can reduce body dysphoria in trans and gender fluid wearers (Chapter 14: Gender Identity) and can also help one make peace with aging and ease the process of menopause (Chapter 18: Mature Corseting)*

For those interested in metaphysics, some individuals even believe that the compression from the corset over the abdomen and solar plexus can activate the Manipura chakra which is said to be tied to interpersonal relationships and self-esteem. One Reiki practitioner says that the steels of her corset act as conductors to help amplify the energy in her healing sessions.Refer to Chapter 19: Corsets & Metaphysics

*Please note that this article is strictly for information purposes and not intended to replace the advice of a medical physician. Please talk to your doctor if you’d like to start wearing a corset for any reason.

11 comments on “Mental / Emotional Benefits of Corsets”

I just read portions of your anthology and was moved by your narrative of how you came to corsetting. Secondly, as an aging woman, I was drawn to Chapter 18: Mature Corseting and really enjoyed reading this particular chapter. I related to the notion of aging and as I age I am trying hard not to feel ashamed that my beauty is fading. Corsetting has helped me regain my confidence and has given me a new appreciation of my curves (39-27-39). Thank you, Lucy, you are indeed a blessing to many of us.

I only found out about you and your site today, but what you write makes so much sense to me that I have to write a few words. I am highly sensitive / temporal lobe sensitive (which is sort of half way toward an Asperger syndrom). And to say that right away: I love wearing a corset as it helps me a lot.
Initially I come from a point of meditation and taoism where the unobstructed flow of the body and it’s energy (in loose dresses) is seen so significant. Well. But in my case this “unobstructed flow” just makes my energy flowing wildly in my body – which can feel very crazy.

An example: what makes an electric bulb an electric bulb that gives light? The (electric) resistance of the little wire inside that glows. No resistance and you simply have a short circuit that blows the fuse. In a similar fashion I sense a corset as a resistance that modulates my energy flow.

This can be (in my case) physically quite drastic. One example: last December I had massive surges of energy that in yoga you call a kundalini syndrom. Dizziness, anxiety and hearing disorders were the symptoms. It was scary and increased over the days. I tried several things including acupuncture and frequency therapy that did not work. Finally by the end of the week I thought: maybe my corset … and in a matter of minutes I slowed down, the dizziness, anxiety and my hearing disorder were gone! (and did not return)

I am familiar with Temple Grandin and her amazing work for many years and her deep pressure therapy. So before discovering the benefits a corset I already had some very tight dresses and also experienced the effects of different materials. Latex in that regard can be amazing not only because of it’s potential tightness but the material itself has an outstanding capacity to slow down and modulate the energy (“chi”) flow of a human body. It can be like a cocoon.

Well. I know I am a bit “crazy” but I trust in my craziness as it had given me in my life so often the solution I needed.
So, I know what a corset can do for me .. but I do not know anybody else who appreciates it in this way. Erotic fashion, even fetish, yes, but beneficial for health? And then a corset for a woman, but for a man?
So reading your page came as a little “yippee” to me … thank you so much. It’s late at night as I write this … tomorrow I will get your book 🙂

Hello Miss Lucy! This is amazing! I, too, am all of the above and what you say makes a lot of sense. Several years ago I bought a corset (not a proper one- laces up the front. Still lovely though) from the local rennisance festival. I had been coveting one all my life and fell in love with it, people telling me I look fantastic in it, but that I’ve got to be crazy to wear that thing! ? It’s thick and decorative, so it’s more for the outside of clothes.

So I’ve worn my corset many times over the years, and have had mixed feelings. I am the only one I know who wears one, so I feel a bit self concious. My husband thinks it’s a bit “much” and highlights my boobs too much. My signature time for wearing it has become when I go to a concert with my girlfriends. I hadn’t realised how much wearing it energised me, strengthened me, made me feel protected, etc. It also makes me feel pretty, poised and sexy, as I am wee 5’2″ 125 lbs; decently proportioned, except for a relentless pooch that I’m always trying to hide. the corset cinches in my tummy and helps me stand tall.

I also have a nasty case of fibromyalgia, and while being bound 24/7 would be too much for me, when I do wear my corset for a few hours it feels rather relaxing! For instance when people tell me how uncomfortable it must be, I explain, on the contrary! I can sit up straight all day long without having to do all the work!

Now the time has come for me to look for a new corset, as my black one is stretched and worn and I have also lost weight, and now it’s too big on me. This is what got me online looking into them. Indeed, I’m coming to appreciate the many benefits of corseting more and more, and Lucy your site and videos have been extraordinarily informative, classy, and helpful, and aside from that I think you’re pretty darn cool! ? I want to thank you for your generosity with your time, knowledge, and creativity. ? Keep up the good work! You’re beautiful! ?

Thank you so much for your kind words and your testimonial, Georgi! 🙂 I’m so glad that you find my site and videos helpful, and something you can relate to. As we say in the corset community, *corset hugs*!

You know, I never thought of it that way, but I have a terrible back and the pressure feels SO good! Do be cautious of getting a hiatal hernia though. I’ve had one and it was no fun, but I may start wearing my corsets more for my back! Thanks for the website!

HI Samantha, thanks for sharing your experience! I do warn in the physical benefits page that corsets can help with some hernias but exacerbate other hernias, so checking with your doctor is definitely a good idea. 🙂

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website (as well as the contents in Lucy Corsetry's Youtube videos, and on other social media) are based upon the research, opinions and personal experience of Lucy Corsetry and others within the corset community. Please note that the content on this site is provided for information and sometimes entertainment purposes, and it is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified medical physician. The information herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any ailment. Lucy Corsetry strongly recommends that you consult with your trusted healthcare professional(s) before purchasing or using a corset for any reason, and ensure that your health and well-being is monitored regularly. Although some individuals may use corsets for therapeutic or corrective purposes, you should ensure that you yourself are in good physical condition before pursuing corset wear, and also understand that any form of body modification is not without risks. If you purchase or wear a corset for any reason, whether aesthetic, therapeutic or otherwise, you agree that you do so at your own risk, i.e. you agree that you are voluntarily participating in such activities, you assume all risk of injury to yourself, and you agree to release and discharge Lucy Corsetry from any and all claims or causes of action, known or unknown, arising out of Lucy Corsetry's negligence.